Sonomafamilylife january2014

sonoma #1 local family resource

January 2014

inspired family fun

73 ideas

Annual Guide to

Private Schools Why these families chose to

Home School How to find

your student’s

Perfect School

fun y l i m a df inspire 25

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January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 3

January 2014

10

Feature Stories 10 Why They Homeschool

Three Sonoma County families share their family’s path to homeschooling.

18 How to Choose Your Child’s Perfect School Five critical considerations when choosing a great new school.

20 Private School Guide Get important facts on all 29 schools to start your search.

18 24

24 How to Help Your Child Love School—Even If You Didn’t Four ways to help them enjoy school more.

Every Issue

6

Dear Readers

27 Good Works

8

Bits and Pieces

New Imitation Firearm Bill

28 Calendar of Events First Day Hike

Swaddling Safely

La Tercera Awarded STEM Grant

Coastal Art & Poetry Contest

38 Afterschool Spotlight Baseball 39 Marketplace 42 Humor Break

SonomaFamilyLife.com 4 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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A Doctor’s Confession to Petaluma This Dr. Cures No One

Dear Friend, Dear Friend,to let everyone know what I wanted I wanted to letI was everyone know It what happened while in college. was a happenedthat while I was my in college.

It was a moment changed life forever.

But moment thatyou changed forever. IBut before I tell aboutmy mylife experience, before Itotell my experience, I wanted tellyou youabout my story from the start. wanted to tellbyyou my storythe from the in start.

Let me start explaining photo Let me startIby in this this letter. amexplaining the guy inthe thephoto middle, Dr letter. I am theknow guy inwhen the middle, Taatjes.

Taatjes.

You I meet Dr. people You know when meet people town andI in town and theyI usually say, in “Oh yeah, they usually say, “Oh I know you, you’re know you, you’re Dr.yeah, Taatjes.

You’ve been Dr.McDowell Taatjes. You’ve been for serving the commuon and Ross years…”

Well, nity forme. twenty-four years! Well that’s me. We that’s areTwenty-six now centrallyyears located our beautifulhapnew agoinsomething office totobetter servechanged the community. pened me that my life forever. years ago something LetTwenty-seven me tell you my story. happened to me that changed my lifein I was studying pre-Med in college, forever.

Let me tella medical you my doctor. story. hopes of becoming I waswere studying pre-Med college, in Things looking up, andinlife was good, Dr. Taatjes with his sons, Hayden (left) and Henry (right). hopesthings of becoming a medical until took a turn for thedoctor. worse. whole ball of wax. This exam could cost practic, we don’t add anything to the body Things were up, and lifeand wasstomgood, with$350 x-rays, exam, report of findings…the but that simply isn’t the case. With chiroI began tolooking have terrible back you elsewhere.

Great care at a great or take anything from it. We find interferuntilproblems. things tookFor a turn for the worse. whole ball of wax.

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Great care at a great or take anything from it. We find interferrotten.

My to back hurt so badly had a I hope that there’s no misunderthus enhancing the healing capacities of the ach problems. a young guy, I felt pretty fee… ence in the nervous system and remove it, hard time even For concentrating in class.

I was body.

We get tremendous results…it really standing about quality of care, just because rotten. My The backmedical hurt so doctors badly that I had a Please, I hope thatfee. there’s noget misunderthus enhancing the healing capacities of the I have miserable. tried differa lower exam You’ll great is as simple as that. harddrugs, time even concentrating I was standing about quality of care, just because body. We get tremendous results…it really care ent but they only made in meclass. feel like I at a great fee. My qualifications…

Here’s what some of my patients had miserable.

The medical doctors tried differII’m have a lower exam fee.

You’ll get great is as simple as that. was in a “cloud.”

I was just not getting beta graduate of Northwestern College of to say: ent A drugs, but made me like Ia care at a greatwho fee.regularly My qualifications…

Here’s what some of my patients had ter. friend ofthey mineonly convinced mefeel to give Chiropractic goes to monthly “I have had a problem with migraines was in a “cloud.” waschiropractor just not getting I’m a graduate of Northwestern College of to say: chiropractor a try. IThe did betan as well as low back pain. Even after seeing educational chiropractic seminars. I’ve ter. A friend of mine convinced to give a Chiropractic who regularly goes monthly “I have had a problem with migraines exam, took some films and thenme “adjusted” been entrusted to take care of tinytobabies to doctors and other health professionals, the chiropractor a try.

The chiropractor educationalthat chiropractic seminars.

I’ve as well as low back pain. Even after seeing neighbors my spine. The adjustment didn’t hurtdid -- an it you may know. I just have pains remained. After coming to Dr. Joel, exam, took thenand “adjusted” beenlow entrusted to take caremore of tiny babies to doctors and other health professionals, the actually feltsome good.films I gotand relief, I soon that exam fee to help people who they have helped me tremendously. They my spine. adjustment didn’t hurt -- it neighbors that you may know.

I just have pains remained. After coming to Dr. Joel, was off all The medication.

It worked so well need care. even take away my migraines. They’re actually felt good. gotthere, relief,toand I soona thatMy lowassociates, exam fee Dr. to help more they have helped me tremendously. They that I decided, then Iand become Rose, Dr. people Truongwho and great!” (Judy E.) was off all medication.

It worked so well care. to see if we can help you. Our even take away my migraines. They’re chiropractor myself.

Ineed are ready “I came in pending laser surgery for thatNow I decided, there,and to become My are associates, Dr. Letzt, Brown and great!” (Judy E.) for mythen kids,and Hayden Henry. a offices both friendly and Dr. warm and we two herniated discs. Over a few months chiropractor myself.

Itryareour ready to see if we can help you.

Our came in pending laser surgery for They have been under chiropractic care their here“Ithe best to make you feel at home. We need for surgery subsided, and the Now for my kids, Hayden Henry. offices are both friendly and warm and we two herniated discs. Over a few months entire lives.

And, unlike mostand other kids in pain has subsided to a mild discomfort with have a wonderful service, at an exceptional Theyclass, have been under get chiropractic care their here the need for surgery subsided, and the try our best to make you REDWOOD feel at home. We their they never the “common” fee.

Our office is called CHIoccasional morning stiffness. Over all, I entire lives.illnesses And, unlike most other kids in have a wonderful service, at have an exceppain has subsided to a mild discomfort with ROPRACTIC childhood like ear infections, and we now two locafeel better visit after visit. It’s a gradual their class, never In getfact, the “common” tional fee. office is is called REDWOOD occasional morning stiffness. Over all, I asthma and they allergies. they have tions.

OurOur main office located at 1225 N. process.” (Jaime O.) childhood like earlives. infections, CHIROPRACTIC and we now have two feel better visit after visit. It’s a gradual never takenillnesses a drug in their And they McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, phone number Several times a day patients thank me asthma allergies. locations.

Our main office is located at 937 process.” (Jaime O.) are nowand 17 and 18! In fact, they have for helping them with their health problems. is 763-8910. Dr. Taatjes would love to help never a drug lives. And Lakeville Street Petaluma, phone number Several times a day patients thank me It’staken strange how in lifetheir is, because nowthey you at this location.Our second location But I can’t really take credit. are nowcome 17 and 19! me with their back prob- for helping them with their health problems. is is at 763-8910.

Dr. TaatjesBlvd., wouldPetaluma, love to help people to see 225 N. McDowell Find out for yourself and benefit from It’sand strange howproblems. life is, because you at this location.

Call Alex, Amanda But I can’t really take credit. lems stomach They now come to an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t with Dr. Truong, and the phone number is people see me with their back probor Wendy. Call Our second location at 225 Find out for yourself and benefit from 775-2545. me withcome their to headaches, migraines, chronic Alex, Wendy, orisChauntel cost you an arm and a leg to correct your lems and problems. They N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, with Dr.you. an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t today pain, neckstomach pain, shoulder/arm pain, come whip-to for an appointment.

We can help health. You are going to write a check to me with headaches,asthma, migraines, chronic cost you an arm and a leg to correct your Brown (is awesome), and the phone number lash fromtheir car accidents, allergies, someone for your health care expenses, you Thank you. pain, neck in pain, shoulder/arm pain, whipis 775-2545. Call Stephanie -Dr. todayJoel for Taatjes an aphealth. You are going to write a check to numbness limbs, athletic injuries, just to may as well write one for a lesser amount lash from car accidents, asthma, allergies, pointment.

We can help you.

Thank you. someone for your health care expenses, you P.S. name a few.

When accompanied by this first I am for chiropractic. When you bring in this numbness limbs, athletic injuries, just to -Dr. offering Joel Taatjes may as well write one for a lesser amount also If drugsinmake people well, then those the second family member this article by July 31, 2012, you will receive nametake a few.

P.S. When accompanied by this ad. I am for chiropractic. When you bring in this who the most should be the healthiest, my entire new patient exam for $27. That’s same examination for only $15. drugs make people well, With then those article by January 31, 2014, you will receive also offering the second family member this butIfthat simply isn’t the case. chirowith x-rays, exam, report of findings…the who take the most should be the healthiest, my entire new patient exam for $27. That’s same examination for only $15.

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January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

Happy New Year!!!

This is going to be a fantastic new year and we’re excited to kick it off with one of our favorites, the annual education Sharon Gowan issue! We’ve collected Publisher/Editor the annual guide Sharon@family-life.us to private schools, gathered personal experience from local home school families, and expert advice on choosing a school to make this your most successful year.

And at the iLearn Fair, January 25th, 10:00–4:00, at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, you’ll meet all the best public and private schools staff in person. They’re happy to find out what your questions are, and share their expertise. January’s also the time to sign-up for after-school and spring sports and you’ll find an amazing selection at the iLearn Fair. Discover new programs that you may not know about, and reconnect with established favorites too.

And this year there are a ton of exciting things to learn and do: play a theremin, meet amazing creators and makers from Chimera, the North Bay’s first Maker space, paint the light cloud, meet a super fast fighter robot, check out the Mr. Piggy Art Car (direct from Burning Man), enjoy hands-on science art projects, singers, dancers and performers, great food and fun for the whole family. Now’s the time to make plans for sleep-over camp, plus find everything you need for your family, and home, and even plan your next party.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing

What month is your child’s birthday? Family Life has a great new way to celebrate!

Send us a picture with your birthday boy or girl’s first name, city, month and year.

Lucky birthday boys and girls will appear on our Happy Birthday page.

With your busy schedule, we can help you stay up to date. Join our Funblast list for weekly updates, and get all the latest for local families.

Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year! See you at the fair!

Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Karlon Baker karlon@family-life.us

Features Editor Ann Ingraham ann@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Marketing

Theatre District.

SHOP │ DINE │ PLAY │ LIVE

Jordan Lewis jordan@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Christina Katz Bull Garlington

Calendar Anna Freeman

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6 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Bits & Pieces

New Imitation Firearm Bill

A

new bill would require that all BB, pellet, and airsoft guns made and sold in California be colored so that they are distinguishable from a real gun. Senator Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa and Senator Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles are jointly authoring the bill. Evans introduced a similar bill in 2011 after police shot and paralyzed a thirteen-year-old Los Angeles boy carrying a BB gun modeled after a real handgun.

The two senators are hoping for increased momentum for this bill following the killing of thirteen-year-old Andy Lopez (who was carrying a BB-style gun and was shot and killed by a police officer) in Santa Rosa. The senators will introduce the bill in January 2014 at the start of the legislative session. ¶

Swaddling Safely

N

ew parents often learn to swaddle their baby to help him or her calm down and sleep better. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agrees that when done correctly swaddling can be an effective technique. But, the AAP recommends a few guidelines. Swaddling may decrease a baby’s arousal making it harder for him or her to wake up increasing the chance of SIDS. To reduce the risk of SIDS, AAP recommends stopping swaddling by two months, before the baby intentionally starts to roll.

The AAP also notes that swaddling can increase the chance your baby will overheat, so avoid letting your baby get too hot. Your baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, and/or rapid breathing.

Finally when swaddling babies, make sure that they are not swaddled too tightly, which could lead to hip dislocation or hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip joint. Make sure baby’s hips can move and the blanket is not too tight. The AAP recommends being able to get at least two or three fingers between the baby’s chest and the swaddle. ¶

8 SonomaFamilyLife

La Tercera Awarded STEM Grant

T

he Petaluma Educational Foundation recently awarded La Tercera Elementary School in Petaluma a $10,000 grant to bring them closer to becoming the first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) magnet elementary school in Sonoma County. The grant will purchase materials to allow students to design a roller coaster, grow plants in the school’s greenhouse, design a sneaker, and more.

The school’s STEM committee has studied schools in Southern California, Napa, Chico, and more, but have discovered that most STEM programs focus on older students. La Tercera wants to ignite students’ interest in STEM when they are young, impressionable, and forming their life passions. ¶

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Coastal Art & Poetry Contest

C

hildren learn to love the ocean after seeing a pair of whales breaching, finding a perfectly-formed sand dollar, and watching otters crack mussels on their chests. Have your kindergarten through twelfth grade children translate their experiences into poetry or artwork for the California Coastal Commission’s annual Coastal Art & Poetry Contest.

Up to ten winners will be selected to win $100 gift certificates to an art supply or book store, and each winner’s sponsoring teacher will receive a $50 gift certificate for educational supplies. Students may have their work featured on Commission web pages and materials, and winning entries will be exhibited at public venues throughout the state.

Entries must be postmarked by January 31, 2014 to be eligible for the upcoming contest. For rules and entry form, and helpful links for teachers and students, visit coastforyou.org, emailcoast4u@coastal.ca.gov, or call (800) Coast-4U. ¶

Our Trees Have Never Been So Healthy My Mom started the flea market back in the 1960s when many of our trees were planted. They shade our parking lot so it’s important that branches don’t fall on vehicles. When Josh from Fine Tree Care came to evaluate our property, we had a lot of deferred maintenance that needed immediate attention. With so much to be done, we started a section at a time so we weren’t hit with the expense of the job all at once.

We have been so impressed with the quality of work, the care of our property, how Fine Tree Care crews worked around our schedule, that we signed up for a long-term maintenance program.

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January 2014

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SonomaFamilyLife 9

The MacDonald Family

Why They Homeschool

By Ann Ingraham

E

veryone wants the best school for their child.

After careful research, many parents find it. But, some don’t. They want more involvement in their child’s schooling. They want to make decisions about their child’s curriculum. They want their child to guide their own learning.

They want to oversee their child’s learning environment and the values and beliefs that are taught.

They want to homeschool.

10 SonomaFamilyLife

Their Choices, Challenges and Success According to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), there were an estimated 2.04 million home-educated students in kindergarten through twelfth grade during the spring of 2010 in the United States. According to the NHERI, most parents choose to homeschool in order to customize their child’s curriculum and learning environment.

Parents also choose to homeschool in order to enhance family relationships and oversee their child’s social interactions. Many parents feel that their home is safer than many schools. And many want to impart their own values and beliefs to their children.

Marc Lapointe, author of Standing in the Education Gap: A Commonsense Approach to Helping Your Child Succeed in School, decided to homeschool his daughter when she was training intensely as a nationally-ranked gymnast. She couldn’t go to school and keep up with her gymnastics schedule. His daughter thrived with his wife as her teacher and they decided to homeschool their son as well. “I think the greatest benefit of homeschooling is the academic rigor,” he said.

Lapointe doesn’t think that his children are missing the social component of school. He feels lucky that he and his wife can help guide their learning about teamwork,

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

responsibility, and acceptance.

“Other kids don’t teach those things.

Adults do, especially parents.” And his kids are continually meeting with their friends through sports and other activities.

Lapointe believes that parents contemplating homeschooling mainly need to consider its costs—time, energy, and emotional investment. Your children don’t leave at the end of the day.

Following are three Sonoma families at different stages of their homeschooling journey, two with children in elementary school and one with a child in high school.

The MacDonald Family Melanie MacDonald began homeschooling her kindergartner,

William, this year in Petaluma. She is also a mom to a three-year-old and an infant. She is following the Pathways Charter Independent Study School where she develops her own curriculum and meets monthly with a teacher for evaluation and guidance.

She decided to homeschool William because she wanted to follow a child-led curriculum. She also wanted her son to learn with children of different ages (within her family and community field trips). She felt that she could offer more than the schools because she only has her son’s best interest at heart, whereas a teacher guides up to thirty children in one classroom.

She finds the joyful challenge is keeping up with William’s desire

Ways to Homeschool 1 Establish a private school for your children by filing a Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education. Visit www.cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/rq/ affidavit.asp.

2 Use a public independent study program or charter school to guide and oversee your child’s learning.

3 Use a private school satellite program to guide and oversee your child’s learning.

4 Parents with a teaching credential can act as tutors for their children or higher a tutor following legal requirements.

Check out schnonprofit.org for more information.

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For information or enrollment appointment, Contact Emily Davis 707-546-6183 x 4531 or edavis@rvusd.org

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 11

The Schiller Family

and capacity for learning. She is still learning what works best for her family and worries sometimes that she is not doing her best. “But then I meet with other homeschooling families and they also worry. When I meet with the teacher, she helps me to know that I’m on the right path and my son has learned a lot.”

She advises parents considering homeschooling that “it’s not antisocial or isolated. There

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is a great homeschooling community here. Sonoma County Homeschoolers Nonprofit offers field trips for the homeschooling community nearly everyday. I have trouble keeping up with all the social opportunities.”

Rohnert Park (CHERP), a social non-denominational group of about 190 families. She filed a Private School Affidavit to teach her children because she wanted them to excel in their academics without the distraction of social issues.

Melanie feels that parents shouldn’t underestimate their ability to help their children. If something isn’t working out at school, the parents are the best ones to help because they know their child so well and see what they need. “The world is our classroom is a huge piece of our path.”

The Schiller Family

“My daughter is very social and I love it, but I was afraid that her academics would suffer,” Jessica said.

She also just enjoys being with her children and loves when they “get it,” when they have that “Aha moment.”

She doesn’t want to miss it. “I also love the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling,” she said.

Jessica Schiller is mom to three children ages seven, five, and two in Cotati. She is active in Christian Home Educators of

Jessica believes that the challenge is always meeting what they need socially, academically, and physically because it’s always

Their Future begins with a great education.

Registration for One & Two Year Kindergarten for Santa Rosa City Schools Begins on January 14, 2014 13 Kindergarten programs to choose from: Albert F. Biella 522-3110 Brook Hill 522-3120 Luther Burbank 522-3140 Hidden Valley 522-3180 Hidden Valley Satellite 522-3190 Helen Lehman 522-3200 Abraham Lincoln 522-3210 James Monroe 522-3230 Proctor Terrace 522-3240 Steele Lane 522-3260 Charter School for the Arts 522-3170 French/American Charter 522-3161 Cesar Chavez Lang. Acad.

528-5011

Applications are being accepted for attendance area schools, dependent Charters and inter-district transfers Register early because classes fill quickly. Children must be five on or before September 1, 2014. We also offer a two year introduction to formal education for children turning five between September 2 and December 2, 2014. Bring proof of birth date, proof of residence and immunization records with you to registration.

For more information contact your school of choice or the Office of Curriculum & Instruction K-6 at 528-5272

Kindergarten highlights  One & Two year Kindergartens  Full Day programs

 Before and after school day care at

select locations

 Experienced, fully credentialed teachers  After school academic and enrichment

activities

 School library visits

 Early reader curriculum

 Music, art and dance programs

 Convenient neighborhood locations  A positive academic foundation to

develop a love for learning

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

changing. She feels lucky to be in Sonoma County where there is a large community of homeschoolers and so many activities for her children to participate in. She added that the Internet provides a lot of resources. She also frequently checks in to the California Department of Education’s website in order to be sure that she is meeting state standards.

sixteen-year-old son, Nico, since he was six years old. He attended a public kindergarten and enjoyed it, but had difficulty with the increased structure of first grade. When Alison was encouraged to medicate her son to keep him focused in

“Don’t let other people sway you. Get rid of that clutter and think about what’s best for your family.”

She reminds parents considering homeschooling that it is an individual choice. “Don’t let other people sway you. Get rid of that clutter and think about what’s best for your family.”

the classroom, “I knew that there had to be another way.” With the encouragement of a teacher, she decided to try homeschooling.

The Struppa Family

“I knew I would have had regrets if I didn’t try,” Alison said. So she tried many different therapies until she

Alison Struppa in Penngrove has been homeschooling her

figured out what worked for her son.

With homeschooling, “I had the freedom to change as needed. I have no regrets,” she said.

She encourages parents interested in homeschooling to have a lot of support, a community, and a mentor.

Pathways Charter Independent Study School helped her get started and reassured her along the way that Nico was learning what was necessary. “We’re always learning.

When we’re in the car and see something interesting, we really talk about it,” she said.

Now that Nico is in high school, Alison decided to leave Pathways and file her own Private School Affidavit. Alison is responsible for keeping records of Nico’s learning.

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1

January 2014

877-959-4187 12/11/2013 10:26:29 AM SonomaFamilyLife 13

Sonoma County Homeschooling Resources American Homeschool Association americanhomeschoolassociation.blogspot.com California Homeschool Network (CHN) (800) 327-5339 californiahomeschool.net Christian Home Educators Association (562) 864-2432. cheaofca.org Christian Home Educators of Rohnert Park (CHERP) cherpgroupwebsite.wordpress.com Homeschool Association of California (888) 472-4440. hsc.org Homeschool Association of California’s (HSC) 2014 Conference, July 31–August 3, Hyatt Regency, Santa Clara, CA. hscconference.com Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) hslda.org Private & Home Educators of California (PHEOFCA) pheofca.org (540) 338-5600.

Santa Rosa Community Homeschoolers (SRCH) santarosacommunityhomeschoolers.webs.com Sonoma County Homeschoolers Nonprofit President: Lesley DeBrier ladebrier@gmail.com. schnonprofit.org

He goes to a tutor to support his physics and geometry learning and they see an occupational therapist to improve his handwriting.

Nico is interested in video game production; on the day we spoke he was scheduled to tour a video game production company in San Francisco. He is writing his own story that he would like to turn into a video game one day. “This is what he’s interested in, so it’s what we’re doing,” Alison said.

Alison said that the Sonoma County Homeschoolers Nonprofit has been a great support for her son. He has found a wonderful group of friends that he gets together with regularly. ¶

Tri Counties Home Education Network tchen.org

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No Referral Needed Santa Rosa – Windsor – Petaluma

CALL 707-836-7800

Hi-Tech Braces for Children, Teens & Adults (707)Wide, 575-0600  WWW.BERNSTEINBRACES.COM Beautiful Smiles Usually Without Pulling Teeth!

220 Windsor River Road, Windsor

220 WINDSOR RIVER RD WINDSOR, CA 95492 family (707) 836-7800

fun

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A GAME

Accredited by

wellsfargocenterarts.org

s e r i e s

Upcoming Shows Perfect for the Whole Family!

YMCA JUNIOR WARRIORS BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience

A positive youth basketball league for children ages 6-15. Emphasizing the fun of the sport, while keeping competition in perspective.

Practice 1 hour a week with games on Saturdays.

Season runs from March - May 2013

Sat, Feb. 1, 2014 at 3pm

TEE BALL

Pressure free environment where children ages 4-7 can learn, develop and practice fundamental baseball skills and embrace teamwork.

Practice 1 hour a week with games on Saturdays.

TRACK & FIELD

This Y program combines technical development and fundamental techniques with safety and fun in mind for kids ages 7-12.

2 hour practice each week.

REGISTRATION BEGINS JANURY 20th!

Call the Y Program Office for more Information at 707-544-1829 www.scfymca.org

Stuart Little Fri, Feb. 21, 2014 at 6:30pm Additional Support from

The Y is a not-for-profit Community Based Organization.

Financial Assistance is available.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

707.546.3600 | wellsfargocenterarts.org

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 15

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How to Choose Your Child’s Perfect School I

t takes a lot of homework to find the right school for your family. The process can require considerable time and energy at a time when both are in short supply for many. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

1

Gather information about prospective schools. There are many schools offering different philosophies and programs. Are you interested in Waldorf education?

Montessori? Are you interested in a dual-immersion program so your child will be fluent in Spanish or French?

Do you want your high schooler to pursue an International Baccalaureate degree or to go to an arts-focused or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)-focused magnet school? Sonoma County offers all these options. We’re lucky to have lots of choices.

The iLearn Fair on Jan. 25 is a great way to collect information from a large number of schools in one place.

Schools representatives will be there to answer questions.

18 SonomaFamilyLife

You’ll have a chance to gather facts and statistics—academic performance, demographics, and resources. Look for “School Accountability Report Cards” for schools of interest.

Check with the California Office of Education for more information on private schools (cde.ca.gov).

2

Determine important criteria for your child’s school. Write down and prioritize what matters most to your family; “must haves” and “nice to haves.” Is it a “must” for your child to attend a year-round school? Would it be nice to have a foreign language offered throughout elementary school? Would it be nice to have your child in a STEM-focused school?

3

Narrow your choices.

Three to five schools is a workable number to visit and interview staff. Make a list of questions for the school before you go. Don’t forget to ask about your “must haves” and “nice to haves.” Afterwards create a report

for each, listing things like class size, staff qualifications, school athletics programs, availability of arts programs (theater, music, art, etc), and any other information you feel is important.

4

Schedule tours with schools on your short list.

Tour during school hours to get a feel for the student population and learning atmosphere. The school community must be a good fit for your child. It helps to arrive with a check list of information you’d like to gather. Talk to teachers, administrators, and parents. It’s also helpful to contact the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. If possible, attend a school function.

5

Take Action. Once you have chosen a school, apply or register as soon as possible, as there may be limited space. School and scholarship application deadlines start early. It is also important to apply to a second school as back up. ¶

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Prepared For College. Prepared For Life.

CARDINAL NEWMAN

In one year alone a Cardinal Newman senior received acceptances from 17 of the top 25 colleges and universities in the country.

The class of 2013 earned over $16 Million in scholarships offered.

Now Accepting Applications for Admission

cardinalnewman.org

50 Ursuline Road • Santa Rosa, CA 95403 • 707/546-6470 www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 19

Fin. Aid

Fam. Disc.

Cafeteria

Transport

Summer

School School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment

Philosophy Size Current/Max

Uniform

Private School Guide Ext. Care

2014 Sonoma County

N

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

N

N

N

N

Y

Y

N

N

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Address Phone

Napa & Monterey Monterey Santa Catalina School

$47,400

259 / 300

1500 Mark Thomas Dr.

www.santacatalina.org

Independent, Catholic, all-girls boarding & day school.

831-655-9300

Justin Sienna

$14,800

4026 Maher St.

www.Justin-Siena.org

Catholic Lasallian. College prepartory high school.

9–12

12

Napa 9–12

24

672 / 672

255-0950

Sonoma Cloverdale Seventh Day Adventist School

$4,100

www.cloverdalesdaschool.org

Christian values & high academic performance, non-bias.

1–8

15

15 / 20

1081 S. Cloverdale Blvd.

894-5703

Graton Pacific Christian Academy

$3,500

www.pacificchristianacademy.org

Christian philosophy.

K–12

8

6 / 120

8877 Donald St. 823-2880

Healdsburg Rio Lindo Adventist Academy

$15,000

www.riolindo.org

Learn. Serve. Lead.

St. John Catholic School

$5,700–$7,300

www.stjohns-healdsburg.org

Catholic philosophy.

The Healdsburg School

13,450

www.thehealdsburgschool.org

Strong academics in a child-centered environment.

9–12

15

190 / 190

3200 Rio Lindo Ave. 431-5100

PreK–8

32

255 / 280

217 Fitch St. 433-2758

K–8

19

169 / 198

33-H Healdsburg Ave. 433-4847

Petaluma Harvest Christian School

$5,500–$6,200

K–8

15–25

145 / NA

3700 Lakeville Hwy. #210

Preschool Spring Hill Montessori- 8th grade

RINCON VALLEY 763-2954 Classical & christian philosophy.

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL $7,800 5 12–14 105 / 150 825 Middlefield Drive

www. springhillmontessori.org

Science & math based. Bilingual montessori. Enrichment.

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary

$6,000

www.stvincentelementary.org

125 years of faith, academics and service.excellence Academic

St. Luke www.harvestpetaluma.org Lutheran School

Preschool– High School K–8

32

280 / 320

St. Vincent De Paul High School

707-545-0526

707-539-1486

www.stluke-lcms.org

20 SonomaFamilyLife

www.rvchristian.org

Cross &Y Crown Y Y Y N N Lutheran School

100 Howard & Union St.

$11,960 9–12winning 22–24 350 Programs / 400 Award Music  Tour now for the upcoming 2014-2015 www.svhs-pet.org College prep curriculum. academic year Leading Sports Programs  Learn about our Rohnert Park Small Classes & Day School-Home School-Hybrid o r d Lutheran a b l e T u i t i o n $2,000–$5,600 Cross A andf fCrown PreK–5 24 80 / 200 905 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Christian based. Spanish, art, music enrichment. www.crossandcrownrp.org

763-9222

762-6426 REGISTRATION FOR 2014-15 BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 3RD N N –YPreschool Y Y N 849 Keokuk St. Toddlers

Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten 1st through 6th Grade

N

Y

763-1032

OPEN HOUSE JANUARY 22, 2014 6-8:30 P.M

5475 Snyder Lane Y Y Y Y Y N COME CHECK US OUT!!!

795-7863

Y

795-7863

www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org Preschool license #490100475

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Y

Y

Y

N

N

32

255 / 280

K–8

217 Fitch St.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Private433-2758 School Guide 19

169 / 198

School School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment www.thehealdsburgschool.org Strong academics in a child-centered environment.

Philosophy Size Current/Max

33-H Healdsburg Ave.

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

Summer

PreK–8

2014 Sonoma Catholic County philosophy.

13,450

N

431-5100

www.stjohns-healdsburg.org The Healdsburg School

Y

Transport

$5,700–$7,300

3200 Rio Lindo Ave.

Cafeteria

St. John Catholic School

190 / 190

Fam. Disc.

Learn. Serve. Lead.

15

Fin. Aid

www.riolindo.org

9–12

Uniform

$15,000

Ext. Care

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

N

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Address 433-4847 Phone

Petaluma Harvest Christian School

$5,500–$6,200

www.harvestpetaluma.org

Classical & christian philosophy.

Spring Hill Montessori

$7,800

www. springhillmontessori.org

Science & math based. Bilingual montessori. Enrichment.

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary

$6,000

www.stvincentelementary.org

125 years of faith, academics and service.

St. Vincent De Paul High School

$11,960

www.svhs-pet.org

College prep curriculum.

K–8

5

K–8

9–12

15–25

145 / NA

3700 Lakeville Hwy. #210 763-2954

12–14

32

22–24

105 / 150

825 Middlefield Drive 763-9222

280 / 320

100 Howard & Union St. 762-6426

350 / 400

849 Keokuk St. 763-1032

Summer

Address/Phone 795-7863

Trans

5475 Snyder Lane

Cafeteria

80 / 200

Fam. Dscnt.

24

School Class Enrollment Tuition/Philosophy Grades Size Current/Max Christian based. Spanish, art, music enrichment.

Fin Aid

PreK–5

Uniform

Name www.crossandcrownrp.org

$2,000–$5,600

Ext Care

Rohnert Park Cross and Crown Lutheran

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Santa Rosa Bridge Haven School

$5,500

www.bridgehavenschool.com

Structured academics. Strong creative arts program.

Brush Creek Montessori

$7,500

www.bcmontessori.org

Preparation for life.

Cardinal Newman High School

$13,100

www.cardinalnewman.org

Co-ed college prep high school. Educating mind, body & spirit.

Redwood Adventist Academy

$5,355

www.redwoodaa.com

Academic, physical, social and spiritual growth focus.

Rincon Valley Christian School

$6,420

www.rvchristian.org

Christian education, music, athletics, arts.

Sonoma Academy

$19,240

www.sonomaacademy.org

Accepting College prep with environmental & global leadership.

Sonoma Country Day School

$21,370–$23,850 K–8

250 / 270

4400 Day School Place

www.scds.org

Academic prep, character education, art, music, sports.

284-3200

St. Eugene’s Cathedral School

$5,630

www.steugenesch.org

Catholic philosophy. Hot lunch program. Foreign languages.

St. Luke Lutheran School

$4000–$6000

www.stluke-lcms.org

Christian school with high academic standards.

K–8

PreK–8

15

15

30 / 45

90 / 100

9–12

K–12

PreK–12

9–12

K–8

PreK–8

Santa Catalina $5,250 SchoolPreK–8

24

HARVEST

12

16–24

12–15

18

30

15

40

630 / NA

50 Ursuline Rd.

N

N

Y

N

Y

NS

YC

Y H

Y O NO NL

Y

Y

th K4585- Badger 8545-1697 Grades Rd. Y

250 / 500

Y

N

Y

N

Classical & Christian Education 539-1486 in Petaluma 268 / 330 2500 Farmers Lane N N Y Y N Y

100 / 145

Y

N

applications for 2014-2015 2013-2014 545-1770 -

310 / 360

Y

546-6470

C I A Rd.N Y 105 /H 200 R I 385SMarkTW. Springs

300 Farmers Lane

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

N

545-7252 Schedule a tour!

905 Mendocino Ave. Y Y Y Y Y Financial Aid is available 545-0526

360 / 410

( 7 4300 0 7Old)Redwood 7 6Hwy.3 - 2 9 5 4 Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

w w w . h a r v e545-0379 stpetaluma.org

www.strosecatholicschool.org

Christian school, high academic standards, small classes.

Summerfield Waldorf School

$3,700–$17,000

Sebastopol

1569 Brush Creek Rd. 539-7980

St. Rose Catholic School

www.sonomafamilylife.com www.summerfieldwaldorf.org

812-7227

PreK–12

12–28

393 / 400

January 2014 Waldorf, college-prep, arts and academics.

655 Willowside Rd. 575-7194

Y

N

Y

Y

N

N

Y

SonomaFamilyLife 21

Cafeteria

Summer

Y

Trans

N

N

N

Y

Cafeteria

Transport

Summer

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Y N N Y Y N Spring Hill

N

www.bcmontessori.org

Preparation for life.

Cardinal Newman High School

$13,100

www.cardinalnewman.org

Co-ed college prep high school. Educating mind, body & spirit.

Redwood Adventist Academy

$5,355

www.redwoodaa.com

Academic, physical, social and spiritual growth focus.

Rincon Valley Christian School

$6,420

www.rvchristian.org

Christian education, music, athletics, arts.

Sonoma Academy

$19,240

www.sonomaacademy.org

College prep with environmental & global leadership.

Sonoma Country Day School

$21,370–$23,850 K–8

250 / 270

4400 Day School Place

www.scds.org

Academic prep, character education, art, music, sports.

284-3200

St. Eugene’s Cathedral School

$5,630

www.steugenesch.org

Catholic philosophy. Hot lunch program. Foreign languages.

St. Luke Lutheran School

$4000–$6000

www.stluke-lcms.org

Christian school with high academic standards.

St. Rose Catholic School

$5,250

www.strosecatholicschool.org

Christian school, high academic standards, small classes.

Summerfield Waldorf School

$3,700–$17,000

www.summerfieldwaldorf.org

Waldorf, college-prep, arts and academics.

PreK–8

15

90 / 100

1569 Brush Creek Rd. 539-7980

9–12

24

K–12

12

PreK–12

16–24

9–12

12–15

18

K–8

30

PreK–8

15

PreK–8

40

PreK–12

12–28

630 / NA

105 / 200

250 / 500

K–6

12

the Intellect, Christian environment.

Nourishing the Spirit Sonoma for over 50 Years SoloQuest School $10,000 PreK-adult

50 Ursuline Rd. 546-6470 385 Mark W. Springs Rd. 545-1697 4585 Badger Rd. 539-1486

268 / 330

310 / 360

100 / 145

2500 Farmers Lane 545-1770

300 Farmers Lane 545-7252 905 Mendocino Ave. 545-0526

360 / 410

393 / 400

4300 Old Redwood Hwy. 545-0379 655 Willowside Rd. 575-7194

Sebastopol 37 / 75

1782 Pleasant Hill Rd.

Montessori

Challenging www.phcs.org

823-5868 1:1

45 / 50

414 W. Napa St.

One to one teaching and cognitive tutoring.

Sonoma Valley Christian School

$7,000

5 / 16

542 First Street East

http://sonomavalleychristianschool.org

Quality education creates happy, successful students.

996-1853

St. Francis Solano School

$5,895

K–5

6–10

Y

N

N

N

N

N

Y

N

N

N

Y

N

N

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

939-1133

www.soloquest.com

www.saintfrancissolano.org

Y

Address 812-7227 Phone

$7,500

$3500

Fam. Dscnt.

30 45

Fam. Disc.

15

Brush Creek Montessori

Pleasant Hill Christian School

Fin Aid

K–8

/ School School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment www.bridgehavenschool.com Structured academics. Strong creative arts program.

Philosophy Size Current/Max

Fin. Aid

$5,500

Uniform

Bridge Haven School

Y

Private School Guide

Santa Rosa

Uniform

2014 Sonoma County

Address/Phone

Ext Care

Tuition/Philosophy Grades

Ext. Care

Name

School Class Enrollment Size Current/Max

OPEN25 HOUSE 202 / 300

K–8

Wednesday February 12th Catholic philosophy.

9:00am

342 West Napa St. 996-4994

RSVP encouraged

www.sjshbg.org 22 SonomaFamilyLife

707.433.2758

Bilingual Toddler to Elementary STEM Curriculum

707-763-9222 springhillmontessori.org

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

St. Luke Lutheran School

$4000–$6000

www.stluke-lcms.org

Christian school with high academic standards.

St. Rose Catholic School

$5,250

PreK–8

PreK–8

15

40

100 / 145

905 Mendocino Ave.

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

N

545-0526

360 / 410

4300 Old Redwood Hwy.

school, high academic standards, small classes.Private545-0379 2014 Sonoma Christian County School Guide

www.strosecatholicschool.org

Summerfield Waldorf School

$3,700–$17,000

PreK–12

12–28

393 / 400

School School Name Tuition Grades Class Enrollment www.summerfieldwaldorf.org Waldorf, college-prep, arts and academics.

Philosophy Size Current/Max

655 Willowside Rd.

Y

N

Y

Y

N

N

Y

Address 575-7194 Phone

37 / 75

1782 Pleasant Hill Rd.

Y

N

N

Y

Y

N

N

Y

N

N

N

N

N

Y

N

N

N

Y

N

N

N

Fam. Fam. Dscnt.

Dscnt.

Christian environment.

12

FinFin AidAid

www.phcs.org

K–6

Uniform Uniform

$3500

ExtExt Care Care

Sebastopol Pleasant Hill Christian School

N N

Y Y

N N

Y Y

823-5868

Sonoma SoloQuest School

$10,000

www.soloquest.com

One to one teaching and cognitive tutoring.

Sonoma Valley Christian School

$7,000

5 / 16

542 First Street East

http://sonomavalleychristianschool.org

Quality education creates happy, successful students.

996-1853

Windsor Windsor

Windsor Christian Academy Windsor Christian Academy www.windsorchristianacademy.org www.windsorchristianacademy.org

K–8

414 W. Napa St. 939-1133

25 202School / 300 Class Enrollment School Size Class Current/Max Enrollment Size Current/Max

$9,500 K–8 17 175 / 200 $9,500 K–8 17 175 / 200 An academically engaging independent K–8 school.

An academically engaging independent K–8 school. $5,540 K–8 20–25 190 / 240 $5,540 K–8 20–25 190 / 240 WCA provides a Christ centered education.

WCA provides a Christ centered education.

342 West Napa St.

Address/Phone 996-4994 Address/Phone

20872 Broadway 20872 Broadway 935-0122 935-0122

10285 Starr Rd. 10285 Starr Rd. 838-3757 838-3757

Y

Y Y

Y

Y Y

Y

N N

Y

Y Y

Summer Summer

The Presentation School The Presentation School www.presentationschool.com www.presentationschool.com

$5,895

Tuition/Philosophy Grades Tuition/Philosophy Catholic philosophy. Grades

6–10

45 / 50

Cafeteria Cafeteria

Name Name www.saintfrancissolano.org

K–5

1:1

Trans Trans

St. Francis Solano School

PreK-adult

N N

N N

N N

Y

Y Y

N

N N

N

Y Y

A college-prep culture infused with inspiration and achievement...

We Provide: • Excellence in Catholic education • 20+ sports teams, new athletic fields • Nationally ranked debate team •Tuition assistance and scholarships are available

Did you know: • Over 99% of our students go on to college Come for a Tour.

• Graduates in 2013 received $2.5 million Schedule a Shadow Day. in scholarships • AP passing rates exceed 80% in See for yourself why our students love it here.

English, Calculus and Spanish

Now accepting applications for 9th - 12th grades. 849 Keokuk St. Petaluma • 763-1032 x113 • www.svhs-pet.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 23

4

E

Ways To Teach Your Child To Enjoy School

By Christina Katz

ngaging students isn’t just the responsibility of the teachers and the administrators at your school, it’s a job that starts at home with every parent. You may have anxiety, fears, or merely first-day jitters about your child going to school. But if you can muster up your courage and take a one-good-day-at-a-time approach, you will find that raising a child who loves school is easier than you might have imagined.

Just follow these four simple guidelines, keep your interactions with your school’s employees constructive and upbeat, and watch the magic that occurs when your child loves learning.

1

Share the good. Tell your child what you enjoyed about school. If your spouse enjoyed school, encourage him to share stories, too. If you had a difficult time in school, share those stories with someone who is not your child. Talk to another adult about the ways you struggled, and how those struggles might color 24 SonomaFamilyLife

your expectations of what school will be like for your child. Get your fears and biases about school off your chest and let them go so you won’t unwittingly pass them on. Remember, your child is not you. That was then, this is now.

By confronting and releasing any back-to-school skeletons in your closet, you open the doors to a positive school experience for your child today.

2

Step back. Some parents have trouble trusting that a school will care about their child as much as they do. And

Cure For The First Day Jitters Show up and smile. Even if you are scared to death, fake it until you get over it. Do what you can to get your child off to a strong, positive start and keep paying the positive forward throughout elementary school and beyond. If you do, the second seven years of learning will be smooth and sunny.

it’s true—teachers won’t treat your child like a parent would. They will probably expect more. And they will care about your child as educational professionals, who want to challenge your child so she can realize her potential, so let them do their jobs. Smart parents know that school is not just about academics. When your child is in school, she is learning how to be a member of a community. She is

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

learning how to socialize and enjoy playtime. She is learning how to express herself through art, music and physical activity. So take a leap of faith. Remind yourself that the folks who run schools are trained professionals who take pride and enjoy their work. You will run across many who are amazing.

3

Be positive and proactive. Try to find something to like about your school on a regular basis. Introduce yourself to teachers on open-house days and meet the folks who work in the front office, including the principal. Make sure the teacher knows you are on her team. If you have a miscommunication or

By confronting and releasing any back-to-school skeletons in your closet, you open the doors to a positive school experience for your child today. misunderstanding with a teacher or administrator, strive to work things out in a calm, pro-active manner. Don’t hang on to negative perceptions or try to create negative consensus with other parents.

Confident, secure parents seek solutions not squabbles. Put yourself in the teacher or administrator’s shoes before you pick up the phone or shoot off that e-mail. Remember, the way you would like to be treated is the way to behave, no matter how you feel in the heat of the moment. www.sonomafamilylife.com

r choiders club lea BBQnd t n de ies ba ng u t b s g earni r l clu llian a u r t u a i l l s lt e u a e l b c c i i ti lliety a mul eatre pirit tr eer serv b t th golf s ch ce askoenor soc er daners tiboInaam! lh s s o e lallciers vtreneavaadetrsloef aamderica na ready ra urseiness le

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7.07% Youth Deposit Rate

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7.07% (APY) on first $500 only. Must not yet be 20 years of age.

January 2014

www.comfirstcu.org 707/546-6000

Guerneville, Healdsburg, Napa, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa x2

SonomaFamilyLife 25

4

Give without strings.

Whether you work full time or not, there are typically two types of parent volunteers: those who willingly pitch in and help and those who don’t want to spend time

Look for opportunities to match the school’s needs with what you have to offer. at school but do it for their kids. If you like to pitch in, join the PTA or sign up to be a room parent. You will find plenty of opportunities to contribute, but do so without expectations of payoffs for your child.

The benefits for your child come when you happily contribute, not

Did You ‘Love’ School?

Maybe you think ‘love’ is a word that should be reserved for family and religion. But if your child does not love learning by the time he or she graduates from elementary school, you may be in for a long uphill climb in middle school, high school, and college. Keep your attitude towards academics upbeat if you want to instill a lifelong love of learning in your child.

when you use your position as an insider to create an ongoing list of how you would do things differently and better. Be service-minded, looking for opportunities to match the school’s needs with what you have to offer. Do your best not to don’t criticize parents who volunteer less.

Do You Suffer From...?

Children & Babies too

• Headaches • Neck/Back Pain • Arm/Leg Pain • Fatigue • Depression • Sciatica • Asthma • Allergies • Poor Sleep

Call to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

True Upper Cervical HealthCare 910 Vallejo St. • Santa Rosa • 583-9077 26 SonomaFamilyLife

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time at school, acknowledge that your child could benefit from seeing you there once in a while whether you enjoy volunteering or not. Break the school year up into three parts and try to pitch in to help or chaperone at least once each season.

No matter how you choose to contribute, volunteering sets great example for your kids. Parents who invest energy cheerfully and proactively in their child’s school stand out in the crowd for all the right reasons, paving the way to success in school for all their children. ¶ Christina Katz has always loved school and strives to pass this passion on to her daughter. She comes from an extended family of enthusiastic learners, teachers and educators.

Michael Hamblin, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

We believe visiting a dental office should give you a reason to smile!

Quality, comprehensive care including:

• Digital x-rays (up to 90% less radiation) • Single visit crowns • Metal free fillings

3918 Princeton Drive in Santa Rosa (Across from Whole Foods Market on Yulupa)

707-544-6280

michaelhamblindds.com January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Good works

Champions for Children Recognition Breakfast The Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs) honored ten community leaders in the annual Champions for Children Recognition Breakfast at the Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa on November 7th. Joel Gordon from Santa Rosa Junior College, Evelyn Cheatham from Worth Our Weight, Tom Tessa Oliver and Gaffey from Petaluma’s Phoenix Theater, Carol Evelyn Cheatham.

Caldwell-Ewart from First 5, Carol Waxman from Petaluma City Schools, Dave Cox from Youth Sports Network 365, Bob Florez from Sunny Hills Services, Collette Michaud from the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, the Junior League of Napa-Sonoma, and Maria Lopez were honored for advocating and working on behalf of children in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties.

The 4Cs supports thousands of low-income children who need quality preschool and child care so their parents can work or attain vocational education. For more information, visit sonoma4cs.org.

Ian Purcell and Collette Michaud.

Rylan Kobre, Katie Daily and Dave Cox.

The Fabulous Women Festival of Trees (l to r) Sandra Acevedo, Ron Fetter, Lyn Romstad, and Vicki Liebes.

Brenda Lopez and Ava Warren, Theatre Square’s management team

The Fabulous Women Festival of Trees in December was a display of beautiful Christmas trees decorated by local charities and businesses and put up for auction. Proceeds went to Petaluma Ecumenical Properties, Hope Counseling, and The Rwanda School Project. Families from all over Sonoma County came out to enjoy the enchanted display of lights. For more information check out fabulouswomen.com.

(l to r) Erin Ascher, Ellen Yant, Sandra Acevedo, Krista Gawronski, and Melissa Becker, board members of The Fabulous Women

www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 27

January Calendar of Events

First Day Hike

S

tart the new year off to a healthy start by hiking at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen. The park will participate in the national First Day Hikes movement sponsored by America’s state parks on Wednesday, January 1st at 10 a.m. The event is part of a national fitness event and celebrates the 150th anniversary of California State Parks.

The moderately strenuous eight-mile/four-hour hike goes through a mixed evergreen forest and concludes at the top of the summit offering sweeping views of Sonoma Valley. Along the way there may be early sightings of “Milkmaids,” the first brave wildflowers. The hike may not be appropriate for children under thirteen. The cost is $15 and includes parking, a bottle of water, and snacks. Advanced registration is encouraged, call 707.938.5216 or visit jacklondonpark.com. ¶

1 Wednesday Resolution Run 5K. A healthy way to

start the new year. 9 am registration.

10 am run. $10–$15. Montgomery High School. 1250 Hahman Dr., Santa Rosa. empirerunners.org.

Meditation Group for Mothers.

Every Wed. 8:30–9:45 am. $10 suggested donation. Shambhala Center. 255 W. Napa St., Sonoma. sonoma.shambhala.org.

Strike Out Hunger at Double

FREE Sculpture Trail. Features

Decker Lanes. Bring one can of

works in the Plaza & the Blvd.

Trail thru May 8, 2014. Downtown Cloverdale & Geyserville. cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

food & receive one free game thru Jan. 31. Benefiting Redwood Empire Food Bank. 300 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park. doubledeckerlanes.com.

Outdoor Ice Skating in Napa. Rock

the Rink Fridays. Family Night Tuesdays. 5,600 sq. feet of holiday skating fun thru Jan. 12. Noon–10 pm. $12. Second & Coombs Streets, Napa. napaonice.com.

Back-To-School Special!

New Patients Only

$89 CHILD EXAM Cleaning & X-Rays

Call Today •

707.795.4523

Henri Matisse Exhibit. Thru Sept. 7,

2014. Daily, except Mon. $6–$10. 12 & under free. Legion of Honor. San Francisco. famsf.org.

First Day Hike at Jack London Park.

Start the new year off in a healthy way

Design, Create, Innovate!

All the electronics supplies you need to make your world!

Arduino Boards & Arduino Parts Electronic components & kits 3D Printing supplies & services 3D Scanning Services Awesome Consumer Electronics

6420 Commerce Blvd • Rohnert Park Check out our great new website:

www.dranthonylieu.com photo by Sharon Neves Photography

28 SonomaFamilyLife

AT YOUR SEBASTOPOL

564 Gravenstein Highway N 707-823-8320 • estuffpl@sonic.net

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

with the First Day 8-mile, 4-hour hike to the summit of the park. 10 am. $15 including parking. Ranch Parking Lot. Jack London State Park. Glen Ellen. jacklondonpark.org.

FANCY A FREE WAX? FOR FIRST-TIME GUESTS *

You must be a state resident.

FREE Whale Watch at Bodega

europeanwax

Head. The amazing sight of the yearly

waxcenter.com

migration of Pacific Gray Whales.

Weekends. January thru April 2014.

Bodega Head.

SANTA ROSA 707 528 544 2147 5982

3835_Santa-Rosa_Sonoma-family-life-magazine_C.indd 1

5/9/13 12:05 PM

FREE Healdsburg’s Magical Toyland. Annual holiday exhibit of

antique toys called Christmas on the Ranch. Toys of the 1900s–1970s thru Jan. 5. Wed. thru Sun. 11 am–4 pm.

Healdsburg Museum. 221 Matheson St. healdsburgmuseum.org.

Winter Discovery Days at Napa

Happy 2014 from Mountain Mikes!

Valley Museum. Thru Jan. 10.

Recommended for kids 8–12.

Reservations required. Skills and knowledge to survive extreme conditions. 2–3:30 pm. $7 per session. $40 for series of six.

Napa Valley Musuem. Yountville. napavalleymuseum.org.

Mom, let’s have pizza for dinner!

Santa Rosa

2280 Santa Rosa Ave 707-544-2828

Rohnert Park

1451 Southwest Blvd 707-795-4433

Petaluma

919 Lakeville St 707-769-8989

2 Thursday Union Square Ice Rink. 90 minute

Healdsburg

skating sessions. Winter fun thru Jan. 20. 10 am–11:30 pm. $11. 8 & under $7. Skate rental $5. Holiday Ice Rink. Union Square. San Francisco. unionsquareicerink.com.

San Rafael

1051 Vine St 707-433-2911

2100 4th St 415-454-4300

NEW LOCATION

3 Friday

Santa Rosa

3781 Cleveland Ave 707-595-6505

FREE Piggie & Elephant Winter Break. Laugh at skits based on

ORDER ONLINE mountainmikes.com

the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems! 2–3 pm. Santa Rosa Downtown Library. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore

the dynamic

www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 29

LOOKING FOR A GREAT LOCAL DOCTOR,

biodiversity of the Northern California Coast. Drop-in Fridays, 2–4 pm. 2099 West Side Rd. Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu.

Petrified Forest Meadow Walk.

Gregory Rosa, MD

Harry Simms, MD

Misty Zelk, MD

Constance Ayers, MD

FAMILY MEDICINE

FAMILY MEDICINE

INTERNAL MEDICINE & PEDIATRICS

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OUR PHYSICIANS ARE HERE FOR YOU.

See live oak, Douglas fir, madrone, manzanita, rare wildflowers & Mt. St. Helena. Sat. & Sun. 11 am weather permitting. Includes price of admission, $16, $15, free 11 & under. The Petrified Forest. 4100 Petrified Forest Rd., Calistoga. petrifiedforest.org.

4 Saturday

PrimaMedGroup.com | 707.823.7616

FREE Fratello Marionettes presents The North Pole Review. Puppet

• IN SEBASTOPOL • Under New Management (Formerly Palm Drive Medical Center) – NO MORE FACILITY FEE!

SAFE MEDICINE DISPOSAL

show in the Children’s Room. 2–3 pm. Northwest Santa Rosa Library.

Coddingtown Shopping Center. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Friedman’s Kidsworx Creative Workshop. Children’s Museum of

Sonoma County hosts fun science activities. 9 am–noon. Friedman’s Home Improvement. 4055 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

Keep unwanted medications out of the wrong hands and out of our rivers & streams.

FREE Science Saturday at Environmental Discovery Center.

Tangible experiments & projects let children explore the natural world.

Every 1st Sat. 1, 2 & 3 pm. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks.sonomacounty. ca.gov.

For the disposal location nearest you, scan the QR code or vist us online.

Family Night at Cal Skate. Music, fun, games & prizes. Sat. 6–8:30 pm. $49 Family of four. Admission, skates, pizza. 6100 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park. calskate.com.

FREE Lego Club. Build your own

www.SAFEMEDICINEDISPOSAL.org 30 SonomaFamilyLife

unique creations. Legos provided. A different theme every month. 2 pm.

Windsor Library. sonomalibrary.org.

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Nature for Kids: Deer Island.

Family interpretive walk. See salamanders, lizards, milipedes, slugs & butterflies. Bring lunch. No pets. 10 am–1 pm. Atherton Ave. East 1.7 miles.

Novato. marincountyparks.org.

FREE Come Fly a Kite! Build a

customized frustrationless flyer kite with materials we provide. Ages 3 & up. Under 18 accompanied by adult.

1–3 pm. Millerton Pt. Tomales Bay State Park. Hwy. 1, Pt. Reyes Station.

6 Monday

for teachers

FREE Museum-on-the-Go! Interactive science museum combines learning with fun. 10 am–2 pm. Guerneville Library. sonomalibrary.org.

Using an engaging Recycling Game format, the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency is conducting 30-minute presentations through June 2014 to teach kids, ages 6-12, about the importance of recycling and about what can be recycled locally in Sonoma County.

free kids

recycling presentations Schedule a presentation 565-2413 or 565-DESK(3375)

www.recyclenow.org California’s Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law applies to businesses and public entities producing more than 4 cubic yards of commercial solid waste per week and multifamily dwellings of 5 units or more.

Museum Monday for Little Ones.

Enjoy stories, movement games, art & crafts. Ages 1–5. Every Monday.

10 am–noon. $5 child. Free for up to 2 adults per child (before 11 am).

Charles M. Schulz Museum. Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

9 Thursday FREE Preschool Storytime. Stories,

songs & other pre-literacy fun for ages 2–5 with a caregiver. Every Thurs. 10:30 am. Cloverdale Library. sonomalibrary.org.

Gem Faire. Lowest prices & over 70 dealers from around the world thru Jan 12. Fri. Noon–6 pm, Sat. 10 am–7 pm, Sun. 10 am–5 pm. $7 weekend pass. $6 parking. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. gemfaire.com.

10 Friday FREE Tie-Dye T-Shirt Bags. Cutting,

constructing & tie-dying our bags. All materials & snack provided. Ages www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 31

SONOMA COUNTY’S

favorite pediatricians

•

Same day and after hours appointments

•

Manage your child’s healthcare online; lab results, prescriptions, appointments, and e-mail your doctor with questions 24/7

•

Network of Pediatric subspecialists for complex cases

•

Most health plans welcome

•

12 & up. 4 pm. Healdsburg Library. sonomalibrary.org.

Convenient locations

Rohnert Park Chamber Crab Feed. All

you can eat crab, pasta, salad & bread. 5 pm. $50–$65.

12 & under $20. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Snyder Ln. rohnertparkchamber.org.

To find the Pediatrician that’s right for you, call 1-888-699-DOCS (3627) or visit sutterpacific.org

Taste at Raven Theater. A play that

pits wine country hedonism against streety political activism to see who wins thru Jan. 19. Thurs. thru Sat. 8 pm. Sun. 2 pm. $15. Raven Theater.

Healdsburg. raventheater.org.

ALL GIRLS CHESS TOURNAMENT 2/9/13 SIGN-UP ONLINE!

CHESS FOR KIDS Interested in Chess classes at your school?

FREE International Dog Show. All

breeds all weekend. Free to spectators.

Sat. & Sun. 7 am–7 pm. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. iabca.com.

Call today!

(707) 527-6427

www.chessclubforkids.com

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Rohnert Park: 360 Rohnert Park Expressway Santa Rosa: Coddingtown Mall 750 Farmers Ln. (by Ross) 2240 Mendocino Ave. (by Safeway) 750 Stony Pt. Rd. (by Starbucks) 1425 Fulton Rd. (by Raley’s) 2700 Yulupa Ave. (by CVS) Windsor: 9018 Brooks Rd. (by Mary’s Pizza) Healdsburg: 1017 Vineyard Plaza NOW OPEN Sonoma: 19217 Sonoma Hwy. (Maxwell Village Center) Terra Linda: Northgate One Shopping Center

Check in online at Greatclips.com or with your smart phone app.

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

11 Saturday

Vertex Climbing C E N T E R

12 Sunday

Bay Area World Guitar Show.

Jonny Lang. Textured arrangements,

Dealers, artists, collectors, foreign buyers, authors & celebrities thru Jan. 12. Sat. 10 am–5 pm, Sun. 10 am–4 pm. $20. Free under 12. Marin Civic Center. texasguitarshows.com.

broad worldview, gorgeous vocal melodies & expressive guitar playing.

Ages 12 & up. 8 pm. $45 & $55.

Uptown Theatre. Napa. jonnylang.com.

Cinderella Musical Theater for

Show. Register

Kids. The classic musical fantasy about hard work paying off & dreams coming true. Shows at 10:30 am and 1 pm. Also on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. $12.

Palace of Fine Arts. 3301 Lyon St. San Francisco. ctasf.org.

Love2Dance Winter Performance: One Hit Wonders. Mercy, Tainted

Love, Iko Iko, more. 4 pm. $24 & $18. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. Marin Civic Center. love2dance.biz.

GREAT BURGERS!

FREE Sonoma & Napa Wedding

online to attend free. 11 am–4 pm. Fashion show 2 pm. Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel & Spa. 170 Railroad St. Santa Rosa. sonomaweddingshow.com.

Wild Cat Adventures. Five

wild cats shown with information about habitats. 3 pm. $10 adults. $5 under 12. Sebastopol Community Center.

390 Morris St. wildcatfund.org.

FREE Pajama Movie Night. Ages

Mondays 4-6: Youth Climbers Club. Ages 10-17. 3 Seasons / Year. Non-competitive, building skills & technique. Club members can advance to the competitive teams from here, if they are interested.

Fridays 4-6: Mini-Monkeys. Ages 5-9. 3 Seasons / Year. Non-competitive, Perfect for very young kids.

Monkeys can eventually advance to the competitive teams from here, if they are interested.

Wednesdays 4-6 & Saturdays 10-12: Vertical Vipers. Ages 7-17. 3 Seasons / Year. Competitive Team.

Emphasis on intermediate skill development and training.

Thursdays 4-6 & Saturdays 3-6 + Monday Training 4-5: Team Vertex. Ages 7-17. 3 Seasons / Year. Competitive Team. Emphasis on advanced skill development and training.

4 & up. A movie adapted from the

707-573-1608

Do you have questions about health care reform and insurance?

We can help with that.

DINE & DONATE FOR 20%

Accepting New Patients! ¡Aceptando nuevos pacientes!

We accept most insurances and offer a sliding scale fee based on family size and income for Southern Sonoma County Residents.

Health Care Reform Hotline: (707) 559-7580

Have fun and raise money for your school or group!

Adult & Family Medicine

IN BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN SANTA ROSA STOUT’S!

Dental Services Obstetrics & Gynecology

Irish Favorites • Sunday Breakfast Local Live Musicians

Integrative Medicine Health Education

636-0240

527 4th Street • Santa Rosa stoutbrospub.com

www.sonomafamilylife.com

707.559.7500

www.phealthcenter.org

January 2014

1179 North McDowell Blvd.

SonomaFamilyLife 33

SANTA ROSA SONOMA VALLEY Santa Rosa Oakmont Kenwood Glen Ellen Boyes Hot Springs SDC El Verano

AREA RUSSIAN RIVER Guerneville Monte Rio Forestville Rio Nido Graton Sebastopol Santa Rosa

Find your trip.

SONOMA VALLEY SAN RAFAEL Agua Caliente Kenwood Glen Ellen El Verano Sonoma Temelec Schellville San Rafael Transit Center

20 28

30 38

44 46 48

PETALUMA SANTA ROSA Petaluma Sonoma StatePenngrove University Rohnert Park Santa Rosa

RUSSIAN RIVER AREA LOCAL Guerneville Downtown Neeley Road Occidental d Park Guernewoo Mills Duncans

SSU SANTA ROSA Sonoma State Santa Rosa University Transit Mall

PETALUMA SANTA ROSA Petaluma Cotati Rohnert Park Santa Rosa

Effective August 18, 2013 sctransit.com

award-winning children’s book Mr. Poppers Penguins. Rated PG. Free popcorn. 5:30 pm. Rohnert Park-Cotati Library. sonomalibrary.org.

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$5 off Any Kindergym class at Finley Community Center Coupon may be used for a full session of Baby, Family or regular Kindergym. No cash value. To register, present this coupon in person at the Finley Community Center or call 7O7.543.3737 and mention this coupon when registering.

www.santarosarec.com Expires 1/18/14

An active social experience for adults with children ages 8 months to 3½ yrs. playtime  parachute games  singing  group activities

Bring Your World into Focus • In House Optical & Lab • Licensed opticians • Thousands of frames in stock, including designer brands.

• Accept majority of insurance plans • State of the art instruments

Family owned and operated since 1956

720 4t h S t r ee t • San t a Ro s a • 575 -3800

34 SonomaFamilyLife

15 Wednesday Wonderful, interactive bubble show put on by Rebecca Nile. Fun for the entire family! 2 pm. Cloverdale Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomalibrary.org.

17 Friday Planets & Life Beyond Earth at SRJC Planetarium. There are as

many as 400 billion planets orbiting around other stars in the Milky Way Galaxy thru Feb. 16. Fri. & Sat. 7 pm, Sun. 1:30 pm. $8 general, $5 students, seniors & under 13. santarosa.edu.

Golden Dragon Acrobats.

Time-honored tradition meets modern movement & expression in a gorgeous, inventive, fast-paced cirque performance. 8 pm. $20–$45.

Marin Civic Center. San Rafael. marincounty.org.

Parents, does your child sometimes not listen or behave the way you want him to?

WOODSIDE WEST SCHOOL

Free report reveals why Shotokan Karate might be the answer.

We strive to foster a child’s natural love of learning Still Registering, Call Today!

www.skls.org Shotokan Karate Leadership School 3082 B-1 Marlow Road 707-575-1681 ask@sonic.net www.skls.org

Preschool & Elementary Programs Early Childhood Education School Age & Child Care Center Ages 2-12 Year Round

Creative Activities & Academics

❤ Little Twos ~ Play & Potty Training ❤ Preschool & K Readiness ❤ Jr K & Kindergarten ❤ Big Kids’ Club ❤ Transportation Available ❤ Summer Camps 2577 Guerneville Rd. • Santa Rosa • 528-6666 Lic#’s 490103579 & 490108547 • woodsidewestschool.com

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

BECOME A TEACHER!

18 Saturday FREE Family Hikes at Spring Lake.

Naturalist guides one-hour tour of areas plants & wildlife. Third Sat. 1 pm & 3 pm. Environmental Discovery Center. Spring Lake, Santa Rosa. sonoma-county.org.

Joyful Noise Choir Performance.

Twenty-voice ensemble accompanied by traditional African percussion instruments & acoustic guitar. 7–8 pm. $12 members. $15 general. Sonoma County Museum. 425 7th Street, Santa Rosa. sonomacountymuseum.org.

Crab for Kids Event. Benefit for

Sonoma County children. Hosted by Redwood Empire 20–30 club. 21 and over. 6 pm. $45. The Becker Center.

2323 Montgomery Drive. Santa Rosa. redwoodempire2030.org Santa Rosa High Crab Feed. Crab,

ceviche, clam chowder, silent auction.

5:30 pm cocktails. 7 pm dinner. $50.

Veteran’s Memorial Building. Santa Rosa. srhsf.org.

Petaluma 7–11 Lions Club Crab Feed.

Benefit to help those with sight &

hearing problems. Call for details.

Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Petaluma.

763-5685.

Sleepovers at California Academy of Sciences. Claude

the Albino alligator. Storytime with Pierre, the wetsuit-wearing penguin.

Rainforests of the World exhibit.

Full breakfast. Price includes next day admission. $99 non-members. $79 members. Golden Gate Park.

San Francisco. calacademy.org.

Put your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

FREE Consultation

Nominate Guardians for Minors Revocable Living Trusts Wills Powers of Attorney Meet at Your Home

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

Evening & Weekend Classes

UKIAH CENTER 707-463-4800 Dominican.edu/Ukiah

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL EST. 1951

A Place to Play. A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow.

• Accepting 2–5 Years Old

• Before & After School Care Option • Positive Discipline: ~ Parenting tools using kind and firm techniques ~ Encouragement with mutual respect ~ Natural and logical consequences Pre K Classes Available for Academic & Social Kindergarten Readiness

707-431-7250

579-3718

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@comcast.net

srecschool.org

Celebrating

Donate Your Vehicle.

Help Keep Kids Safe.

Your donation funds programs to find missing children.

888.317.7342 | carsforpkf.com/online Any condition.

Free pick-up.

Tax deductible. www.sonomafamilylife.com

125

years of Excellence

“We Make House Calls”!

INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION & FUTURE?

Free Consultation!

Call 707 843-3693 1-on-1 at Home tutordoctor101.com January 2014

Kindergarten Open House January 14th, 6:30-7:30pm Let your child experience the fun of kindergarten from 6:30-7 7-7:30 teacher presentation (We will provide childcare) Serving K - 8th Grade Financial aid and family plans available. www.StVincentElementary.org 762-6426

SonomaFamilyLife 35

19 Sunday The Mozart Experience. Family

WINDSOR 707-838-7207 SEBASTOPOL 707-832-5207

Dr. Rob Oliver

P E D I AT R I C D E N T I S T RY www.lifeofsmiles.com

concert series with the Santa Rosa Symphony. 2 pm instrument petting zoo. 3 pm concert. $45 adult. $30 child. Green Music Center. Sonoma State University. gmc.sonoma.edu

inspired by African American artists & celebrate Dr. King’s life & work. 9 am–5 pm. $11. Members and infants free. Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Sausalito. baykidsmuseum.org.

25 Saturday

20 Monday Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Create art

The Best Care for Your Best Friend

Wikiup Veterinary Hospital 130 Wikiup Dr, Santa Rosa • 573-8252

FREE iLearn Fair. Discover

local creative opportunities, resources & ideas to ignite a new passion for learning & success. Representatives from dozen of schools, after school activities & tutor services attending. Stage performances, awards & prizes; something for the whole family! 10 am–3 pm. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Santa Rosa. sonomafamilylife.com.

FREE Dave the Horn Guy! Come

see Dave Enns, a musician’s musician

wikiupvethospital.vetsuite.com

NOW ENROLLING FOR WINTER CLASSES

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACE

reg

redwood empire gymnastics

Featuring our tumblebug program for preschool aged children Boys & Girls Classes Recreation 6–12 Tumbling, Tramp, Camps

MUSIC SKILLS TO LIFE SKILLS

Classes for Every Stage of Development, Newborn to Seven

Parties & Parents Night Out

www.regymnastics.com

707-763-5010

36 SonomaFamilyLife

FREE

PREVIEW CLASS

Sonoma County Children’s Music 867 Third Street • Santa Rosa (707) 527-7900 Enroll Online at www.childrenlovemusic.com

Public Skating • Fundraisers Private & Group Instruction

CAL SKATE Roller Skating & Blading Center

585-0500 • FOR RESERVATIONS: 585-0494 6100 COMMERCE BLVD. • WWW.CALSKATE.COM

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

with a lot of horns. 10:30–11:30 am.

Sonoma Valley Library. 755 W. Napa St. sonomalibrary.org.

pm. $20–$40. Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium. San Rafael. marincounty.org.

Elsie Allen Project Grad Crab Feed.

FREE Children’s Sale Day at

All you can eat, crab, pasta, salad & bread. Raffle & silent auction. 6–9 pm. $40. Center for Spiritual Living.

2075 Occidental Rd., Santa Rosa.

544-5942.

Petaluma Library. Benefiting

the Petaluma Regional Library.

10 am–5 pm. Petaluma Library. sonomalibrary.org.

Jubilee Klezmer Ensemble! A

31 Friday Celtic Nights. Ireland’s

most accomplished singers, dancers & musicians tell the story of Irish emigration across the Atlantic. 8

Providing Superior Health and Balance Through Chiropractic

CALL TODAY

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

707 495-7703

free2movechiropractic.com

spirited afternoon of Israeli music & dance. 4 pm. $12 at door. Kids free. Occidental Center for the Arts. occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Irish Rovers. Charming audiences with their exciting stage shows & masterful storytelling. 8 pm.

Pre-show discussion 7 pm. $28 & $38. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Make Dr. Rose Part of Your New Years Resolution

Tutors 2 You One-to-one In-home tutoring

End School School End Frustration!

Frustration!

Our highly qualified tutors can help with: Our high quality tutors can help with:

• • • • •

Academic Subjects Foreign Languages Test Prep Study Skills ESL

Giving students the skills For children and adults. they need to succeed!

(707) 585-2584

(707) 585-2584 www.tutors2youca.com

sonomacountytutors.com

It’s never too soon to protect your children’s future Kristen M. Ingersoll Proud Mother and Attorney

Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Law Offices of

Norton & Ingersoll, P.C.

kristen@noringlaw.com • (707)

230-2644

200 4th Street, Suite 350 • Santa Rosa

Dr. Charlene R. Chan Dr. Monica L. Chmiel

TypeA+ teaches computer keyboarding to students grades 2-8 Enrolling Now for Winter

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics For Children, Teens & Adults Serving Sebastopol since 1980

707.823.1200 www. chanorthodontics.com www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2014

SonomaFamilyLife 37

Afterschool Spotlight

Baseball

P

etaluma National Little League advanced to the Little League World Series in 2012 and the players came back hometown heroes signing autographs for younger baseball players with their own dreams. Maybe you have your own aspiring World Series player.

Baseball demands strong hand-eye coordination, speed, agility, and strength. And when finally your child’s bat meets with a ball in that perfect spot sending the ball flying, they will feel like they can do just about anything. See sonomafamilylife.com for a list of Little Leagues sign-up dates and deadlines!

What Is Your Child Doing After School?

Sign-up: Early January

Time Commitment: Practices start at two times a week for two hours and can increase to three times a week with games twice a week.

Cost: Registration for the spring season averages $150.

Additional Costs: Players need to purchase their own glove (gloves range from $50 to $400 depending on the quality) and more advanced players may want their own bat ($50 to $200 and up).

See how to

PLAY

PAGES eo

s

1. Download the FREE App Apple 38 SonomaFamilyLife

Android

k in

id V

L

2. Activate our Channel 3 . Open the app, and point at pages with this icon

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Lessons

Lessons

Lessons

Lessons

DO YOU LOVE TO

Register Now for Fall Classes

Sing!

Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus

un FBlast!

Weekend

Sign up online for our weekly enews featuring the best family friendly weekend events.

www.SonomaFamilyLife.com

@

Carol Menke, Artistic Director Providing quality training and performance since 1984.

Beginning-advanced levels Auditioning children ages 7-12

527-8813

Lessons & Training One of the largest schooling programs in Sonoma County

Great for riders of all ages and levels

707.538.2000

srchildrenschorus.com

*Bring in this ad and we’ll waive your registration fee

AFTER SCHOOL WITH PONIES! •Self-Esteem •Responsibility •FUN!

MARKWESTSTABLES.COM

Check out our online lessons directories

European Pony School

546-7669

europeanponyschool.com

Wings After School Martial & Arts Program

DANCE CLASSES FOR KIDS

Wings

BALLET, JAZZ, TAP, HIP HOP, BREAKDANCE

(707) 544-2302 www.wingsmap.org

AFTER-SCHOOL

MARTIAL & ARTS PROGRAM

SUPPORTS ACADEMICS WITH FUN!

(707) 695-5483 • mstudiodance.com 3952 Sebastopol Rd. Suite #158 • Santa Rosa

New Location!

• We Pick Up! Free Shuttle to studio from school • Daily Karate classes & Homework time

(707) 544-2302

www.wingsmap.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

English Riding

Call Today for more inforamation: 707-575-7701 www.artandsoulmusic.com 4861 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa

Footloose

Dance Center

Tap • Flamenco • Hip Hop Wing tsun • Salsa Ages 6–80 Rehearsal Space Available Carole Savoy, Director 5681 Redwood Drive • Rohnert Park 707 584-8058 footloosedancecenter.com

January 2014

Take ME Driving Kandras Driving School Drivers Ed/Training in class or online

GREAT LOW PRICE! 838-3100

takemedriving.net SonomaFamilyLife 39

Parties

Parties

INVITE HER TO YOUR NEXT PARTY!

Gifts

Tudor Rose English Tea Room

916-682-0311 Pamela-Hubbard.barefootbooks.com

“Little Girl” Birthday Parties

Op M o n d ae n y Saturdathru y

Open Wed-Sun

535-2045

Artful Arrangements

733 4th Street Santa Rosa

Delivery of Living-Plant Gifts

tudorrosetearoom.com

PACIFIC COAST AIR MUSEUM

A real airplane to sit in and play with the controls.

Refrigerator available.

Call the museum at 575-7900.

See what we have! www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org

We care for your pets as though they are part of our family!

Specializing in Bridal and Baby Showers.

Lunches and High Tea served daily.

Private room available.

(707) 494-5490

WE HAVE THE PLACE FOR YOUR PARTY

Pets

Art’s for the soul – a gift to the eye Life is too short, to even ask why

Animal Hospital of Sebastopol 707-823-3250

1010 Gravenstein Hwy, South Sebastopol ahosvet.com

Host your Event

On the Largest Maple Dance Floor In Sonoma County

The

Recitals & performances Parties & Reunions Weddings & Receptions

Prompt Delivery Giftshop Open Saturday’s 10am-2pm 205 Orchard Lane, Penngrove ArtfulArrangements.org 707-664-8656

Check out our online directories

Odd Fellows Hall RESERVE @ 707-546-1591

545 Pacific Ave, Santa Rosa

Let Us Decorate Your Next Party for You! • Birthdays • Quince’s • Weddings • Events • Corporate

Party Chicks Décor

707-888-7075 Lic. 69681

40 SonomaFamilyLife

Health

CRAIG’S PARTY STORE

Your Family Chiropractor Dr. Jennifer Price, DC, CACCP

Boarding • Daycare • Training Grooming • All Day Play Web Cams Rohnert Park 206-9000

Santa Rosa 595-3834

ParadisePetResorts.com petbuddies@me.com

Legal

Good prices • Great service • Convenience •

Guidance in Difficult Times

San Rafael, Petaluma, and now Santa Rosa!

Check out our new website

craigspartystore.com

Pregnancy & Post-Natal Infants, Kids & Teens Scoliosis & Posture Correction 776-6932 • theposturechiropractor.com

Law Office of Joel Richard Rubin

Certified Family Law Specialist 707-527-4470 • joelrrubin.com

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Counseling

Schools

Childcare/Preschools

www.calstateteach.net Become an exceptional teacher with 21st century skills using iPads & eTexts!

831.582.4624

R

YMCA PRESCHOOL MOLDING YOUNG ONES INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE...

Santa Rosa: 2590 Piner Rd.

- Part time /Full Time Care-Flexible Plans Available-

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: Health & Nutrition, Motor Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive & Academic Skills.

PRICING & REGISTRAION:

K-6 Homeschool Program

Contact the YMCA Program Office at 707.544.1829 The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

Financial Assistance is available.

Casa dei B o’s Since 1981 amb i h Montessori School

ini

California State University

Online Teacher Preparation

Childcare/Preschools

Preschool•Kindergarten Parent-Toddler Class Ages 18 months to 6-years

Montessori Education Inspires ♥ Joy of Learning ♥ Order & Detail ♥ Concentration ♥ Grace & Courtesy 2427 Professional Dr.•Santa Rosa, Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101 www.rhioscasa.com

707-528-0889 Developing the Whole Child ages Play-Based Learning 3 to 5 hours 8 am to 3 pm, years

Monday - Friday Christ Methodist Preschool

1717 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa • 707.526.0204 www.cmpreschool.org

Supportive Counseling. Helping children and families with anger, stress, depression and healing from physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Counseling for parents. Kathleen Dunham, MFT. 829-7051. Se Habla Espanol.

FINDING THE SOLUTION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY! Jennifer Ballard, MFT

Stony Point Academy

707- 483-9061 FREE CONSULTATION SolutionFamilyTherapy.com

Enroll now K12.com/AAS or 877-506-8631

For children 3-6.

Start to see results in just 6 sessions.

ASK ABOUT A FREE CONSULTATION

707-545-4600 www.srcbt.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

preschool@fumcsantarosa.org www.fumcsantarosa.org/preschool License#490110699

FUMC

Preschool & Child Care Center

Schools

SPANISH

Language

CLASSES

Home School Program Grades K - 5 Educating the whole child; head, heart, & hands.

Playtime Daycare/Preschool Join our loving family. Spacious playroom, large yard, meals provided. CPR & first aid certified.

M-F. Infants & up. Call Wendy 539-7524. Lic. #04746.

Presbyterian Preschool is a developmental, play-based preschool with dynamic, caring teachers. Generations keep returning! We foster the love of learning. We are accepting applications for 2013. Call 542-7396 or go to our website: www.presbyterianpreschool.org

Offering a Montessori preschool & kindergarten program in a beautiful country setting for children ages 3-6.

redbarnmontessori.org 789-9397 • 3820 Bodega Ave., Petaluma

For All Ages - Since 2004 Sonoma & Marin Counties

www.sunridgeschool.org 707-824-2844

The Bridge School. Located in Central Santa Rosa, 1625 Franklin Ave. Year-round full/half–day. Rich nurturing environment.

Center based program for ages 3–5 with separate 2’s program. Caring, qualified teachers. Julie & Andrew Day; owners.

Lic.#493005697. 575-7959.

Diane: 546-7012

Your Child can Thrive!

Is Your Child Defiant, Stubborn, or Aggressive?

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Year-round • Play based Ages 2 - 5 (Pre-Kindergarten) Excellent Teacher-Child ratios Open 7am-6pm

Info at spacharter.org Or call 707-568-7504

Online learning ignites the minds of children like yours

• Play Therapy • Family Counseling • Parent Coaching

Program of First United Methodist Church

www.ColorsofSpanish.com

(707) 782-1084

January 2014

Art ~ Music ~ Nature Preschool/Afterschool Ages 2-12 DROP-IN Year-Round M-Sat. 8am - 9pm Near Downtown Petaluma 707-762-1312 wendyzs.com Lic. # 493007432

SonomaFamilyLife 41

Humor Break

Birth of

a Dadface

By “Bull” Garlington

I

want to talk to the fathers today.

Especially the new guys. Hi. Welcome. I’m not a new guy. I’m an old guy. I come from a generation who saw the installation of colored TVs. Our morning cartoons were interrupted by Watergate. We’re grizzled and haggard and worn and we’re here to tell you something: you’re doing it wrong.

You are gentle and firm and worthy of admiration and I appreciate your positive advocation, I do, but in your overhauling of the good dad toolbox, you’ve discarded a tool you really, really need. You need a Dadface.

That thing you see in the mirror? That may be the face of a dad, but it is not a Dadface. You know the Dadface.

Your dad had one–remember? There you are on your skateboard half-pipe using his $300 seven-iron for ramp jousting. He comes out of the garage and doesn’t say a word. He just stares.

Like Magneto with a three-day beard, he uses only the power of his splenetic visage, bending you to his will, causing you to carry that seven-iron over to him in perfect silence, your pancreas withering in his gaze. He didn’t need to yell.

42 SonomaFamilyLife

your progeny pee in the front yard on a Sunday: I will kill him.

It’s about what’s in your heart and I’m telling you, newbie, for a proper Dadface, you have to fill your heart with a dark inflexible vengeance.

You’ve tried it. Your kid races into the playground fountain with his shoes and socks on and you think, “This is it. I’m using the stare” then shine your grim countenance on your child who promptly falls into a slump of giggling oh-my-gods because you look like you just pooped your shorts and here, here my friend, is where you’ve failed.

It isn’t about the way the Dadface appears. It’s not about facial expression. There is no facial expression. It’s about what’s in your heart and I’m telling you, newbie, for a proper Dadface, you have to fill your heart with a dark inflexible vengeance. You have to suffuse your soul with a murderous spirit. You have to truly believe, while watching

Don’t tell me that emotion hasn’t fluttered through the dark recesses of your dome like a bat. I know. My son once ripped his pull-ups off in front of my friends, wagged his butt around like a microscopic Magic Mike, and sang “Looook at mmmyyyy buuuutttt!” I felt instant overwhelming dude pride.

Fraternity. Bonhomie. I high-fived everybody. Later that day, he mooned my in-laws and I thought: this wouldn’t happen if I were childless. That was my Dadface being born.

You’ll know when you’ve got it right.

You’ll catch your kid running out the back door with a roll of duct tape, an ice cream scoop, and a bowling ball and you’ll catch his eye and he’ll freeze. You don’t know what he’s doing. You just know it’s going to end with 911 and a bill. Suddenly, though your face belies nothing at all, a Stygian wind will blow through your heart and your kid will feel it. You will witness a miracle: “Wow! How did these get here? I will put these away so no one gets hurt.” ¶

January 2014 www.sonomafamilylife.com

NEW SCHOOLS, NEW PROGRAMS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Learning for a lifetime . . .

The District provides safe and modern classrooms ensuring all students have access to an environment with the technology and tools they need to be successful. Our elementary schools are equipped with excellent libraries, state-of-the-art computer labs, and innovative enrichment programs that provide our students with a well-rounded foundation for learning.

Our secondary programs are comprehensive and include alternative programs and opportunities to learn online, great campus life and extracurricular activities.

Student test scores in our District have shown steady improvement and now our enrollment is growing. We believe this is a reflection of our commitment to our vision and now parents from around Sonoma County are choosing Cotati-Rohnert Park schools as the place to send their children for 21st century education.

FOR ENROLLMENT INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.CRPUSD.ORG or call (707) 792-4700.

The District’s open enrollment period for all grade levels extends to March 31, 2014. Technology High School, our specialized magnet high school program on Sonoma State’s campus, has a deadline of February 10, 2014.

Your Lovely Landscape …needs our attention.

You see manicured lawn, carefully trimmed shrubbery, evergreen and deciduous trees. We see trees in need of our attention. Fungus indicating internal rot, a crook that gathers water encouraging decay, roots swelling out of the ground indicating that a tree is unstable…and more.

Use this guide to help you identify what areas could use our attention…then call us for a tour of your property. We’ll point out what you may have missed… what could use attention now, and what can wait until spring, etc.

Our crew will take care of what’s most important during the dormant season and what will benefit from trimming for strong spring growth. Winter is an excellent time to look at your landscape.

SERVING SONOMA COUNTY SINCE 1999

Fine Tree Care (707) 874-2018 Visit our web site for more information and testimonials from satisfied clients.

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

www.SonomaTree.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Mushrooms on roots Defect in base of trunk Painters Fungus on Bay tree Ivy – especially on Douglas Fir Conk Fungus on Douglas Fir Split tree trunk Insect nest Split branch Bay tree tips dying back Split top conifer trees Branches touching roof Branches touching chimney Dead or re-grown Redwood top Broken hanging branch Dead limb with fungus Canker on Pine tree Pitch tubes on Pine tree Soil mound from uprooting Fallen bark from tree Sprouts from latent buds Narrow branching Previous large pruning cut Wood dust or borer droppings Black boils from SOD Improper planting location

CCL #947598, LTO #A10086, Certified Arborists Reports, Workers Comp., General Liability, Commercial Auto, & Third Party Liability Insurance